Context
The government has recently asked domestic coal-based thermal power producers to continue blending imported fuel until October 15, and reduced the proportion of blending to 4 percent from 6 percent to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during summer.
About
- In an earlier course issued in March 2024, the energy ministry had allowed all thermal power plants to combine up to 6 percent of imported coal with domestic gas till June this year.
- The move will ensure an adequate supply of dry fuel at electricity plants to satisfy energy demand at the same time as reducing the usage of imported coal, according to the power ministry.
- However, the said advisory will not be relevant to domestic coal primarily based (DCB) plants placed inside a radius of 200 kms from the linked mine/coal source.
What is Coal blending?
- It entails blending one of a kind varieties of coal to achieve favored characteristics that meet precise necessities for combustion, efficiency, and emissions control.
- It is used to mix the coal with exclusive styles of coal or biomass
- India’s energy landscape closely relies on coal for power generation. To meet the developing demand and hold a stable power supply, the concept of coal blending has won prominence.
Benefits
- Efficiency: Blending allows power plants to maintain a consistent heat output, enhancing overall performance.
- Supply Stability: By blending imported coal with domestic coal, power plants mitigate supply fluctuations. This ensures that coal stock remains sufficient even for the duration of height demand intervals.
- Quality Enhancement: Imported coal frequently has a higher gross calorific value, making it suited for mixing.
- The resulting blend improves combustion performance and reduces emissions.
- Environmental: By blending coal with higher ash content and lower sulfur content material, power plants can mitigate emissions of pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate count, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Challenges
- Logistical: Coordinating the procurement, transportation, and storage of numerous coal kinds throughout specific areas demands strong logistical making plans.
- Quality: Maintaining consistent coal pleasant from exclusive assets may be challenging.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to environmental guidelines regarding emissions and ash disposal requires constant monitoring and adaptation of blending strategies.
Government’s Approach
- Open General License (OGL) : As in line with the current import coverage, coal is kept underneath Open General License (OGL) and purchasers are free to import coal from the supply in their preference as according to their contractual charges on charge of relevant responsibility.
- Regular reviews through Ministry of Coal to expedite the development of coal blocks
- Enactment of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 for allowing captive mines proprietors (other than atomic minerals) to promote as much as 50% in their annual mineral (which include coal) production in the open marketplace after meeting the requirement of the end use plant linked with the mine.
- Single Window Clearance portal for the coal sector to hurry up the operationalization of coal mines
- 100% Foreign Direct Investment has also been allowed for industrial mining.
- Coal India Limited has deliberate to enhance its coal manufacturing via enlargement of mines (brownfield initiatives), opening of latest mines (greenfield projects), mechanization and modernization of its mines
Conclusion and Way Forward
- Coal blending in India represents a strategic approach to optimizing electricity production even as addressing environmental issues.
- By leveraging the country’s various coal reserves through effective blending strategies, power plants can obtain greater performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability inside the generation of energy.
- As India progresses closer to a more sustainable power future, coal blending will continue to play an essential role in balancing energy security with environmental stewardship.
Source: The Indian Express
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (2017)
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